Social Media Links

News Release

BENTON, KY (January 23, 2018) –The Kentucky State Police released the following details about this morning’s shooting at Marshall County High School.

The first shots were fired at 7:57 a.m., and the first 911 call was received at 7:59 a.m. There was a Marshall County Sheriff’s Department School Resource Officer on site at the time of the shooting. The suspect, a 15 year old male student, was taken into custody on site in a non-violent apprehension by the Marshall County Sheriff Department. The suspect had used a handgun in the shooting.

Twenty people were affected during the shooting, 15 of which suffered gunshot wounds. Of those suffering gunshot wounds, one died at the scene and one died after being flown to Vanderbilt Medical Center. In total, five were transported to Vanderbilt, the others to local hospitals. Victims ranged in age from 14 to 18 years old. Fourteen victims were male, and six were female. Of the four remaining victims at Vanderbilt, three are in critical but stable condition and one is in stable condition.

Bailey Nicole Holt, age 15, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Marshall County Coroner. Preston Ryan Cope, age 15, was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt Medical Center.

A counseling center will be open at the old Pepsi Bottling Plant at 1531 Highway 641 North, Benton, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. beginning tomorrow. A family resource center has been set up at the Kentucky Agriculture Extension Office at 1533 Mayfield Highway, Benton. The investigation is being led by the Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team (KSP CIRT), with assistance from local and federal agencies.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police.